Pages

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Jayson Stark on the Astros

Jayson Stark's new column takes on the Astros and their situation come July:

If we had to pick one club in baseball that has the look of a sure-fire seller in July, we'd pick the Astros. But there are two things to remember: 1) As GM Ed Wade pointed out, the Astros actually have a better record this year (18-30) than they had in late May last year (17-34) -- and last year's team went 59-52 the rest of the way. 2) Until the Astros' sale to Jim Crane is approved (most likely sometime in July), Wade can't even have a conversation with the new owner about his philosophy on team-building.

But at a time in which his club is obviously rebuilding, Wade says he expects to take the same approach this July that he took last July: "Anything that builds the type of depth that will get us where we need to be, it would make sense to explore."

Stark notes that Other Clubs believe Wade would "gladly listen" on Myers, Wandy, Barmes, and Hall. Only two of those guys are having seasons worth giving up more than a jock strap's worth of hamster cage shavings for, and I'll let you figure out the two.

And on Hunter Pence, noting that the Braves, Phillies, and Orioles are interested him?An executive of a fourth club says he believes there's a "1 million percent chance" Wade would need, essentially, a job-saving haul in return to even consider trading Pence.

"If you're Jim Crane walking in the door," the exec wondered, "how can you trade the one guy on your team who represents that part of Texas -- a blue-collar, hard-nosed player?"

Stark later notes that the Phillies are telling teams they can only really afford what amounts to half of Pence's $6.9m salary.

Pence absolutely should be traded. His value is inflated by being the best player on a very bad team...and he has no business being the best player on any major league team.

He is a bad baseball player with some natural talent. Moreover, he is not becoming a better baseball player. He plays the outfield like his hair is on fire and couldn't hit a cutoff man if his mother's life depended on it. His base-running,approach at the plate, situational hitting and just about any aspect of the game requiring thought are all very poor and no better than his rookie year. He is the Anti-Bagwell.

Tied for 1st in RBI's, 3rd in total hits, 2nd in doubles, the stat list goes on....saying Pence is a bad player is ridiculous! Pence is young enough to build around and already takes the leader role. I wish we had more "bad" players on the team like him....

Phils say they could only afford half Pence salary. Cry me a river. The Astros do not need to pay the remainder of any players salary again except for Lee who should be released today. While Pence may not be a great player by any means, he will likely drive in 90 to 100 runs this year. Berkman will break down before the year is over. No reason to bring back a player that laid down for the Astros last year.

About Astros County

Established in 2008, Astros County is your friendly neighborhood blog & grill. We are the Protectors of the Legacy of Dickie Thon, Defenders of the Honor of J.R. Richard, and Anti-American League. Orlando Palmeiro Was Safe.